Kid StuffSpring 2007

Dear Friends of Houston Children’s Charity, On this, Houston Children’s Charity’s 10th anniversary, I would personally like to pay a well-deserved tribute to each of you, our supporters and friends, who have made the choice to support us over the last decade. Your continued dedication to Houston Children’s Charity is evidence of your commitment to helping children; the real beneficiaries of your generosity.

Over the last 10 years we have been proud to donate 62 vans and two trucks to Houston agencies, entertain over 3,500 children at our Easter party, host over 6,000 children at our Hyatt Christmas party, and provide for 25,000 children during the Christmas season. Addition-ally, we have assisted numerous individual families who would otherwise have had nowhere to turn.

HCC has helped children recover from and cope with debilitating disease and injury over the past decade by providing life-enhancing support ranging from surger-ies to prostheses and from wheelchairs to specially equipped vans. We have also been proud to assist the many families who have made Houston their home in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Countless children with special needs are left without a source of support or refuge on a daily basis. The abandonment and abuse of these children are not acts of God, they are failures of love. We must dedicate ourselves to providing every child with the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and well educated.

Your contributions, and those of other individuals who believe in our mission, have helped many deserving children reach their full potential. Our programs and services for children have flourished through your combined efforts; our individual contributors, dedicated volunteers, and a concerned corporate community.

As we each invest our resources to help make Houston a more productive and supportive environment in which to live, we are nurturing America’s future, our children. Your continued support of Houston Children’s Charity will substantially increase opportunities for children and our ability to provide for them. “Our Kids are Everybody’s Kids.”

The past decade has been a journey full of service, love, and joy. Your continued support is an indication that you are along for the ride toward a brighter future for Houston’s children, and I thank you.

Warm Regards,

Laura WardExecutive Director

10th Annual Gala

A Look Back At A Decade of Caring

In this issue...

And the award goes to ... pages 2-3

Underwriter Party ... page 4

A Night To Remember ... pages 5-7

One Enchanted Evening ... page 8

A Star-Studded Affair ... page 9

‘Tis The Season ... page 10

Happy Easter ... page 11

pages 5-7 page 10 page 11

Christmas Party Easter Party

1

Judy Nichols Pam Wright Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell Laura Ward & Vikki Vines

Marcus Woods Gridiron Heroes Warner Roberts & Joey Boesch Bobbie & John Nau, III

Tena & Tyson Faust Jesse & Cathy Marion, Laura Ward Anna Williams Darla Lexington & John O’Quinn

Gary Becker, Laura & Dave Ward Patricia & Pat Harrison Maggie & Don Henderson, Laura Ward Melanie Lawson & John Guess

Houston Children’s Charity celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Houston. An awards luncheon was held in honor of all those who have made it possible over the last decade for HCC to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. The reception in the Imperial Ballroom included Mistress of Ceremonies Warner Roberts, a message from keynote speaker Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and a presen-tation by Mayor Bill White issuing a special proclama-tion, declaring it “Houston Children’s Charity Day.” The afternoon also included a donation of specially modified vans to two “Gridiron Heroes”; young men who have sus-tained life altering spinal cord injuries during the course of playing football. The 10th Anniversary Awards Luncheon was truly a touching event as we celebrated those who have benefited from our assistance and, in particular, those who have made that assistance possible over the last decade. (Photography by Pete Baatz)

And the award goes to...

Charles Joekel, The Honorable Mayor Bill White & Gary Becker

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Special Thanks to Our Volunteers Who Have Supported Houston Children’s Charity Over

the Last Ten Years

Jeff AbtDane Addison

Leann AndersonSuzanne and Jim

AndersonMichael Arnett

Joel AshbyKristie AustinLaura AustinKathy BaileyWill BaileyJared Bane

Melissa BartonStephanie BazilleShirley and Allen

BeckerSusan and Gary Becker

Jill BellKarrie BellardRyan BennettHarsh Bhasin

Malcolm BrownJanice and Kem Buice

Buffalo GlassEmily CanoDaren CantuLuis CarabaliAustin CarnesSarah ChismNeva Clark

Vicki Matthews-ClarkZach Cohen

Megan ConnerJoann and Bill CrassasMadeleine and Mark

CrawfordCaroline Cubberley

David DevaneyPhillip DiamondBrandon DrenonDeborah Duncan

Katherine El GuermaiRob ElliottRyan Ellis

Steven FernandezAllison FlanaganRichard FlowersMichael Foley

Steve FoleyGina Foroi

Frost Bank - The A TeamJudge Annette Galik

Joey Garcia Gregory GilesBob Gonzales

Carolyn GoodwinAshley GreenGerri Greer

Kirksey GreggChristina and Jerry Gronauer

Jackie HaneyJohnni HartmanDeborah Guthrie

Grant GuthrieKelly Guthrie

Patricia and Pat HarrisonJosh HawkinsAlan Hayes

Shelby HodgeLiza Ibarra

Austin JacksonJudy Jackson

Travis JacksonRonnie Jackson

LaChankda JenkinsAshley JeterGwen Joekel

Becky JohnstonKai Spa

Rowan KeeleNatalie Kenreck

Kim Keyes

Matt KrobKristy and Greg Kroencke

Steve LemmDarla Lexington and John

O’QuinnLori Madsen

Cathy and Jesse MarionKathi Marsh

Michelle and Robert Marsh

Roy MarshJeff Matthews

Kay McCallumRobert Medoza

Belinda MendozaKathleen Milazzo

Jennifer MillerChristina MitchellAngela Montalvo

Ryan MorganMadalyn MorseTikisha Mosley

Darryl MurchisonChelsea Muyskens

Bobbie and John Nau, IIIMichelle Neaves

Cheryl NoppeRichard PattonStefanie Plotkin

Nataly PogrebinskyEd Pritchard

Casey ProctorRoger Randall

Vanessa RiascosBrian Rincon

Warner RobertsRay Rogers

Kourtney RoopwahCorey RoweBrooke Roy

Jenna Sabatini

Nick SalinasCarol and Tom Sawyer

Lindsey SerresRose Shelton

Patricia and Larry SinclairSummer Steele

Chuck StephensonTodd SternRyan Still

Jacqueline StonePhilip SwansonNick Tammaro

Janis TerryJessica TerryKate Terry

Ben TheriotJennifer TheriotVivian ThibeauxTabitha Tillman

Mary Ellen TownsendGarret Van Dyke

Desiree VelasquezBecky Vidal

Brandon VillafanoVikki Vines

Brandi and Glenn Wakefield

Carrie WallJ.N. Wall

Taylor WallDave Ward

David WestonMolly WhalbergDelores WhitingAnna WilliamsBrittany Wilson

Elena WittPam Wright

Marti and Kevin Young Sherri Zucker

Excellence in Volunteerism

Janice and Kem BuiceVicki Matthews-ClarkJoann and Bill Crassas

Madeleine and Mark CrawfordDeborah Duncan

Frost Bank - The A TeamGwen JoekelSteve Lemm

Carol and Tom SawyerPatricia and Larry Sinclair

Anna WilliamsPam Wright

Marti Shlenker (posthumously)

Chariots for Children Van Program

1997A Child is Born Family Outreach

(2 Vans)

1998Children’s Assessment Center

Houston PALCasa de Esperanza

1999Zina Garrison’s All Court Tennis

Foundation (2 Vans)Children’s Assessment Center

Odyssey House Texas, Inc.(2 Vans)

HOPE Shelter, Inc.

2000Jaycee’s Children’s Center

Houston PALSt. Joseph’s Inn

Covenant House Texas

2001The Children’s Center, Inc.

Willie C. McDuffie Treatment Center

Families Under Urban and Social Attack

2001 cont.Houston Area Women’s Center

Wesley Community CenterConroe ISD/PALKIPP Academy

La RosaTexas Adaptive Aquatics

Easter Seals

2002Center for Success &

IndependenceThe Seaborne Challenge Corps

S.E.A.R.C.H.Greg and Pola Hampton

Pro-Vision, Inc.The Nehemiah Center

2003Covenant House Texas

Hope Shelter, Inc.Phoenix Outreach Youth Center

Texas Adaptive AquaticsHope for Youth

New Hope Youth CenterRonald McDonald House

Trinity Foster Care Houston

2004Solutions 2 Changing Lives

Refuge Community Development Center

Conroe ISD/PALJaycee’s Children’s Center

2005Anointed Child Care, Inc.

Timothy ProjectTreasure Our Community

City Wide ClubCovenant House TexasBoys & Girls Country

2006The Furniture Bank

Families Under Urban and Social Attack

The Center for Success & IndependenceS.E.A.R.C.H.

Gridiron Heroes (2 Vans: LaJuan Moore &

Zigwon Carter)Pleasant Hill Academy

Casa de EsperanzaPrevent Blindness Texas

The House of Charity

Helping Hands

Phillip Diamond - Owner of Lily and...Darryl Murchison - Owner of Darryl Murchison Designs

Bob Gonzales - President of RAG PrintingEd Pritchard - V.P. Fleet Management,

Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.Richard Flowers - C.O.O., The Events Company

Kirksey Gregg - Director of Special Events, The Events Company

Michael Gilg - V.P. Production/Executive Producer, XL FilmsJoey Boesch - Composer, Pianist and Vocalist Extraordinaire

John O’Rourke - Owner, Charlie O’Rourke’sRon Bailey - Owner/President Data Stream Technologies

Judy Nichols - Judy Nichols and Associates

HCC’s Scholarship Award Recipients

Each Student Received a $12,000 College Scholarship

Desirae Mock - 10th Grade Chloe Lewis - 10th Grade

Sanjuanita Mottu - 11th GradeJaime Alvizar - 11th Grade(as pictured, left to right)

Distinguished Awards

Becker Family Emergency Fund Award - Shirley and Allen BeckerShining Star - Dave Ward - KTRK - TV Channel 13 News Anchor

Golden Gavel - Vikki Vines - Gallery AuctionsMedia Champion - Shelby Hodge - Houston Chronicle

Society ColumnistGuardian Angel - David Devaney

HCC’s New Best Friend - Glenn WakefieldHCC’s Largest Individual Gift - Gerri Greer

Heart Award - Cathy and Jesse MarionLifetime of Giving - Darla Lexington and John O’Quinn

Spirit of Service - Patricia and Pat Harrison Warehouse Associates

Corporate Commitment - Bobbie and John Nau, IIISilver Eagle Distributors, L.P.

Heart of Houston - Warner Roberts

Since its inception, HCC has awarded 62 vans and 2 trucks

at a total cost of $1,763,444.

2 3

On the eve of the largest event in Hous-

ton Children’s Charity’s history, the event un-

derwriters gathered at the home of hosts Penny

and Paul B. Loyd, Jr. for an evening of cock-

tails, hors d’oeuvres and accolades.

Gala Chairpersons, Marilyn and

George DeMontrond III, gladly accepted the

honor of presenting crystal vases to the event

underwriters including Becker Family Foun-

dation, Charles L. Joekel, Edna Meyer-

Nelson, Hyatt Regency Houston, Michelle

and Robert Marsh Family Funding, L.P.,

Pacesetter Personnel, Paige and Tilman J.

Fertitta/Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., Sterling

Bank, The Lester & Sue Smith Foundation

and Williams Bailey LLP.

The DeMontronds also presented awards

to the Benefactors and Sponsors, receiving a

Nambe crystal bowl and a Nambe miniature

bowl set, respectively. The Benefactors includ-

ed Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.,

Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Penny and

Paul B. Loyd, Jr., Dorothy T. Nicholson and

Jeanette and Jim Woods. Sponsors included

Berg and Androphy, DeMontrond Automo-

tive Group, Greater Houston Orthopedic

Specialists/Dr. Henry J. Blum, Dr. Eric F.

Berkman and Dr. Charles Metzger, Hercules

Offshore, Inc., Jenny and David Moore, Ma-

genheim & Associates, Nopal Resources, The

John M. O’Quinn Foundation, The Marion

Foundation, The Tony Gracely Family and

Windsor Village United Methodist Church.

Executive Director Laura Ward recog-

nized the many giving people that help make

the Gala a success each year in addition to giv-

ing a preview of one of the spectacular auction

items for the following evening; a handmade

32-piece chess set created by the visionary art-

ist Gil Bruvel. (Photography by Pete Baatz)

UnderwriterParty

Sandy & Randall Stilley Laura Ward, Gil & Marianne Bruvel

Laura Marchand & Laurette Veres

Robert & Debbie Ogle Marti & Kevin Young Tom Davis, Carol & Dr. Tom Sawyer

Stephen Joest, Tracy Hendrix, Greg Rosenberg, Kaylin Harr

Paul B.Loyd,Jr., Laura Ward, Penny Loyd

Edna Meyer-Nelson, Jackie Brown, Suzanne Klein, Jerome Blockman

George DeMontrond, Dorothy Nicholson, Marilyn DeMontrond

George DeMontrond, Penny & Paul B. Loyd, Jr., Marilyn DeMontrond

Joey & Valerie Boesch

Lou Gregory & Linda Lorelle, Vicki & Don Clark

Michael Gilg, Lester & Sue Smith, Grant Guthrie

4

Celebrating a Decade of Caring, Houston Children’s Charity’s

10th Annual Gala literally rocked with great - you guessed it - rock n’

roll, a sell-out crowd, and the largest fundraising event in the charity’s

history.

More than 600 guests crowded the Hyatt Regency Houston for

the over-the-top gala chaired by Marilyn and George A. DeMontrond,

III and honoring Sue and Lester Smith.

Never one to disappoint, HCC filled the Imperial Ballroom with

ice carvings displaying the char-

ity’s 10th anniversary logo atop

custom designed square remote

controlled light tables changing

colors throughout the evening, a

visual masterpiece of laser lights

and four immense screens on

which to view the events of the

night.

In an exceptional moment of gen-

erosity, a $1,000,000 pledge in honor of

HCC’s Executive Director Laura Ward

was made by the Board of Directors of HCC

to Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center

to establish the Houston Children’s Charity

Emergency Family Fund. But in the spirit of

“breaking news,” Master of Ceremonies Dave Ward also announced to

the wildly applauding crowd, that an anonymous matching gift had been

made in the amount of $1,050,000 putting the charity’s net proceeds at

over $2,150,000. The anonymous grant is to be used exclusively to sup-

port Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center at the direction of Dr. David

Poplack.

HCC Board President Gary Becker introduced TCH President

Mark Wallace and Dr. David Poplack who acknowledged the tremen-

dous giving spirit of the mystery couple who made this gift. Ward said it

best....”we can assume that this couple are simply committed to supporting

the wonderful work of Houston Children’s Charity and Texas Children’s

Hospital - and are willing to do so without any recognition, accolades or

fanfare.”

In true HCC fashion, the live auction

was over the top, netting $400,000 for the

evening. High bidders included Robert

Marsh, Allen Kent and Wayne Turner

who paid $70,000 for a celebrity party at

the home of Paige and Tilman Fertitta

and John Speer who paid $40,000 for

a private tour of Althorp in London, the

home of the late Princess Diana, guided

by The Right Honorable Earl

Spencer. The crowd then boogied

until the wee hours to the hit music

of Huey Lewis and the News.

In the crowd were

Shirley and Allen Becker, Brian

and Stacy Becker, Sharon Bush,

Suzette and Pastor Kirbyjon

Caldwell, Kara and Ray Childress, Judy and Larry Dierker, Eliza-

beth and George Farish, Mary and Tony Gracely, Tissy & Rusty Har-

din, Erica Hunter and Jeremy Leediker, Sunni and Gary Markowitz,

John Speer and Donna Briggs and Sheridan and John Eddie Williams.

(Photography by Pete Baatz and Leslie Suggs)

Gala 1

A Night to Remember

Houston Children’s Charity 10th Annual Gala

5

Maggie & Don Henderson, Elly Berman Tissy & Rusty Hardin Sheridan & John Eddie Williams

Dr. Hank & Jackie Blum Pastor Kirbyjon & Suzette Caldwell Melissa, George & Marilyn DeMontrond

Tom Koch, Melanie Lawson, John Guess Kara & Ray Childress, Stacy & Brian Becker

Alan & Julie Kent, Huey Lewis, Michelle & Robert Marsh

Budweiser Live Auction Items Jeremy Leediker & Erica Hunter, Sue & Lester Smith

Jason Kohll, Marcus Jolibois, Shane Battier, Tad Brown, Rafael Stone, John Lucas III,

Rockets Power Dancers

Gabriella & Daniel Dror Maryann & Jodie HofferTony & Mary Gracely Doug Drabek & Laura Ward

Lester & Sue Smith Chief David Baker & Charles Joekel

Marti & Kevin Young Tyson & Tena Faust

Ken & Gwen Joekel

6 7

Marianne & Gil Bruvel Sharon Wilner, Carol Sawyer, Kim Padgett Larry Dierker & Commander Scott Kelly

Mark WallacePresident of Texas Children’s Hospital

Judge Eric Andel, Phyllis & Graham Painter

Our generous supporters from Borden

Allen & Shirley Becker Donna Briggs & John Speer Susan & Gary Becker, Marianne & Gil Bruvel

Christie, Penny & Paul B. Loyd, Jr. Jan Carson, Virginia Reisman, Maryann Hoffer

Alan & Julie Kent, Wayne Turner, Robert & Michelle Marsh

Edna Meyer-Nelson & Suzanne Klein

Frank & Kimberly DeLape Missa Sutton & Carolyn Faulk Cathy & Jesse Marion

Heather & David HuntingtonHenry & Doe Florsheim Donna & Arnold Gilberg Judy & Larry Dierker, Laura Ward

7

Thanks to Chairpersons Laura and John Johnson – Sil-

ver Eagle Distributors, L.P. the Spring Soiree generated a net of

$110,000. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Vic & Anthony’s

Steakhouse and the presentation of Montecristo Cigars, courtesy of

Howard Covens of Stogies Fine Cigars. A photo-op with an An-

heuser-Busch Clydesdale was a featured delight. The live and silent

auction highlighted priceless sports memorabilia and included an ex-

traordinary trip to the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis, courtesy of

Budweiser and August Busch IV. Guests included Sue and Les-

ter Smith, Charles Joekel, Susan and Gary Becker, Janice and

Tad Brown, Paige and Tilman Fertitta, Ericka and Jeff Bagwell,

Gaynell and Clyde Drexler, Marti and Kevin Young, Howard Co-

vens, Greg Germenis, Penny and Paul B. Loyd, Jr., and Carolyn

Faulk. (Photography by Pete Baatz and Gary Fountain)

One Enchanted Evening

Jeff & Ericka Bagwell Jeanette & Bob Gonzales Don & Vicki Clark Laura & John Johnson

Robert & Michelle Marsh, Sam Arlen

Kaylin Harr, Charles Joekel, Carolyn Faulk

Laura Ward, Gaynell & Clyde Drexler, Ericka & Jeff Bagwell

Ken & Gwen Joekel

Charles Joekel, Pat Tammaro, Grant Guthrie

Adele Minzer, Melissa & Dr. Charles Brunicardi, Sherri Zucker

Paul B. & Penny Loyd, Jr., Dave Ward

Laura & John Johnson, Laura Ward

Don & Maggie Henderson Mike & Janell Rogers Gary & Susan Becker Janice & Tad Brown Jenny & David Moore Nancy & Jack Dinerstein

Jan Carson & Maryann Hoffer

Linda Lorelle & Lou Gregory

Kathy & Don Kobos John Leake & Judy Nichols Marti & Kevin Young

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A Star-Studded AffairCelebrity Dinner

The warm spring air was buzzing with the scent of fame dur-

ing the backyard celebrity party at the home of Paige and Tilman

Fertitta last April. With about 100 guests in attendance, it was truly

a night of familiar faces and celebrity appearances.

Mario Andretti, a long-time friend of Houston Children’s

Charity, made a “pit stop” in Houston just for this special evening.

Along with Andretti, celebrity guests at the party included No-

lan Ryan, Doug Drabek, Larry Dierker, Ray Childress, Elvin

Bethea, and Elvin Hayes. The highlight of the evening came when

Tilman presented each of the celebrities with a gift from the charity

and provided personal comments about each of them. Many of the

personalities assured us that they would enjoy joining us for a repeat

performance in 2007.

The guest list also included Michelle and Robert Marsh,

Julie and Alan Kent, Patsy and Wayne Turner, Jenny and Da-

vid Moore, Grant Guthrie, Heather and David Huntington,

Charles Joekel, and Vicki and Don Clark. (Photography by Gary

Fountain)

Larry Dierker, Nolan Ryan, Elvin Bethea, Alan & Julie Kent, Ray Childress, Mario Andretti,

Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek

Nolan Ryan, Larry Dierker, Elvin Bethea, Wayne & Patsy Turner, Ray Childress, Mario

Andretti, Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek

Larry Dierker, Nolan Ryan, Elvin Bethea, Robert & Michelle Marsh, Ray Childress,

Mario Andretti, Elvin Hayes, Doug Drabek

Dave Ward, Patty Reed, Mario Andretti, Laura Ward

Wayne Turner & Elvin Bethea Heather & David Huntington

Mario Andretti, Julie & Alan Kent Don & Vicki Clark, Elvin Hayes, Pat & Elvin Bethea

Laura Ward, Nolan & Ruth Ryan, Dave Ward, Ilene Allen

Mario Andretti & Tilman Fertitta

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At a time of year when so many Houston familes go without, Houston Children’s Charity truly made it a season of giving with the Annual Children’s Christmas Party, Adopt-A-Family program, Toy Distribution and Food Assis-tance Program. With smiles on their faces, over 600 children entered the Imperial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Houston on Sunday, December 10th to the sight of thousands of toys, tables covered with goodies and cheerful red t-shirt clad volunteers ready for the annual Christmas Party. The children, who came from 17 Houston area organizations and individ-ual families, enjoyed a pizza/pasta buffet, “make your own” ice cream sundae bar, visits from San-ta and Mrs. Claus, the James Coney Island Co-ney Man, Borden’s Elsie the Cow, Clowns from Cheerful Clown Alley and Kim See, the Living Christmas Tree. The day could not have gone smoothly without the help of the generous do-nations from the Houston Rockets, Kem Buice of Borden, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Pepsi, Warehouse Associates, Kroger and Third Coast Comedy or without the assistance from the dedicat-ed volunteers that included party Chairwoman Vicki Clark, Kathy and Will Bailey, Gary Becker, Don Clark, David Devaney, Frost Bank A-Team, Patri-cia Harrison, the Hyatt Regency Houston, Gwen Joekel, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Dr. Lois Moore, our friends at Pearland High School, Deborah Schulze and group, the Westfield High School Baseball Team, Caitlin Young and Kevin Young. HCC’s Adopt-a-Family program was a huge success and, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we were able to help 33 Houston families with 88 children. Athena was in need of food and furniture when she contacted HCC. She had two pieces of chicken to split between herself and her three girls, ages 6, 9 and 11. HCC and The Furniture Bank provided beds, couches, a dining set, lamp and coffee table as well as kitchen supplies and linens. HCC also

provided toys and clothing for the girls, a basket of toiletries for Athena, and two $100 Wal-Mart cards for food and supplies. Our many sponsors included A & C Plastics, Inc., Susie Atkins, the Beasley family, Kathy & Mark Crosby, Frank DiMaria, ExxonMobil, Elizabeth & George Farish, Jr., the Gracely family, Industrial TX Corporation, JobIT, Melanie Johnson, Brian Kingshill, III, Melanie Lawson & John Guess, Sherman L. Lewis, John V. Lovoi, Christine Muraski, the Nichols family, Saundra & Ray-mond Platter, Richland Financial, Melissa & Jamey Rootes, John Gary

Sellers, Jennifer Skrabanak, Hailey & Mark Stevens, David M. Un-derwood, Kelly & Zach Wright, Kevin Young, and Sherri Zucker. The brisk winter air didn’t stop volunteers from “shopping” with

parents and guardians from 149 Houston families for toys at HCC’s annual Toy Dis-tribution on December 19 at Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. For several weeks leading up to the Christmas Season, HCC toy boxes were filled to the brim by caring employees and customers alike throughout the city. For many of our families, the toys they selected that day would be the only gifts their children would receive at Christmastime. The efforts

of Gwen Joekel, volunteer and Chairperson for the Toy Distribution, and additional volunteers Suzanne Anderson, Heidi Birenbaum, David Devaney of Warehouse Associates, Clara Duran, Carolyn Faulk, Christie Kroenke, Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., Leonor Soto, Al Vallejo and family, and Jodie Zolleman made this day a

special one. Thanks to the donations of time, resources and toys from our volunteers and the many companies across Houston who supported us, 447 children experienced the joy a Christmas present can bring. With the assistance of John Johnson and Kevin Young, HCC was able to begin a new Christmas Food Program, providing over 300 families with $100 Gift Cards to Fiesta, Food Town, Gerlands, Wal-Mart, and Sellers Broth-ers. These families were most grateful for the opportunity to provide their children with a holiday feast. (Photography by Pete Baatz and Leslie Suggs)

First From The Heart

T’was on this tenth December dayIn the Houston Hyatt Grand

That volunteers did gather roundFor Christmas was at hand

Six hundred sixty children plusWere soon to here arrive

As H.C.C. had once againMade spirits come alive

The gifts were all unpacked and spreadThe trees each table dressed

The apples and the crayons were placedThe pictures all impressed

By ten the Goody Bags were linedSix hundred in the hall

Sweet fantasy they did containWith gifts for one and all

The Hyatt staff each table setContagious was their smile

For Leo’s place in Bayou townDoes many hearts beguile

From agencies who share their loveTo special families

The work is done throughout the yearSo this day comes with ease

With Vicki there upon the micThe party is explained

Each job outlined is criticalSo no one is detained

The “Ho, Ho, Hos” do fill the roomWith carols in the air

And when the children do arriveThe love is everywhere

Policemen with their energyDo bring a special peace

And everywhere the red shirts goThey happiness release

For once again at Christmas timeWe gather to explain

That charity first from the heartDoes leave a sweet refrain

David L. Devaney12-10-2006

‘Tis the Season

Christmas Cheer

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All the ingredients were there for Houston Children’s Charity 9th Annual Easter Party at Northland Christian School last April. Put together a basket full of sweet goodies, toss in a pinch of beautiful spring weather and add 300 under-privileged youngsters from nine Houston agencies and you had the makings for an amazing day. Children, ages 3 to 12 from Nehemiah Center, Urban Outreach Center, Houston PAL, Bonita House, The House of Charity, St. Michael’s, Boys & Girls Harbor, Boys & Girls Country, TX Children’s Hospital, DePelchin Children’s Center, and Treasure Our Community came together for a rare afternoon of Easter partying. Fun events scheduled for the day included a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting (courtesy of Northland Christian School students) and meeting with the Easter Bunny. Games, prizes, individual Easter baskets, hot dogs and “fixin’s” donated by James Coney Island, soft drinks courtesy of Pepsi, bottled water and apples supplied by Kroger with milk and assorted juices donated by Borden’s rounded out the afternoon. The constant support of all the volunteers, the employees at Frost Bank, Deborah Schulze and group, the students of Northland Christian School, and Steve Lemm, Facilities Manager and Transportation Coordinator at NCS, made the festive party a day to remember for the children in attendance. (Photography by Pete Baatz)

Happy Easter

11

Houston Children’s Charity Board of Directors

Officers

Charles L. Joekel, Chairman of the Board Edna Meyer-Nelson, President

Gary D. Becker, Immediate Past PresidentTilman J. Fertitta, Vice President

Grant W. Guthrie, Vice President/Funding Co-ChairRobert A. Marsh, Vice PresidentDonald J. Henderson, Secretary

John B. Johnson, TreasurerDon K. Clark, Funding Co-Chair

Laura S. Ward, Executive Director

Directors

Gregory L. BrownThaddeus B. Brown

O.W. Bussey, Jr.Carolyn Faulk

Paul B. Loyd, Jr. Dr. Lois J. Moore Michael F. Rogers

Kevin J. Young

Advisory Board

J. Downey BridgwaterPastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell

John L. Nau, IIIRobert E. Ogle

Dr. David G. PoplackDavid H. Ward

We are always in need of caring volunteers for our Children’s events.

Please contact the HCC Office at 713.524.2878 or email us at

hcc@houstonchildrenscharity.org with your name, address, phone

number and availability.

We appreciate your support!

For further information, visit our website atwww.houstonchildrenscharity.org

2007 Upcoming Events

Children’s Easter Party

11th Annual Gala

Children’s Christmas Party

Toy Distribution

Adopt-A-Family

Food Assistance Program